Root word

Let's get to know:

• What is a root word?
  

Root word is a base part of a word that carries the core meaning to the word itself, it can be a complete word itself, but often not. Root word or word root cannot be broken down into a smaller unit.

• What are the examples of a root word?
  

- aqua/aqu (Latin), aqua has a meaning of water. Meaning, any word that has the word aqua is related to water. Example, aquatic (an activity that has to do with water) and aquarium (a place for water creatures).
- meter (Greek), meter has a meaning of measure. Meaning, any word that has the word meter is related to measure. Example, thermometer (a tool to measure temperature) and centimeter (a unit of length in the metric system).

• How do you build a new word from a root word?
  

A root word can be built by adding a prefix or/and suffix to it.
Example,
- Prefix + root word:
unsafe, un- means "not", meaning, not safe
- Root word + suffix:
changeable, -able means "can be done", meaning, can be change
- Prefix + root word + suffix:
disappearance, dis- means "not", -ance means "the act of", meaning, to cease to be visible.

• Is there another language root word that's commonly used in English words?
  

Latin and Greek are a common language that is used as a root word.

Sources:
Danner, H. G & Noone, T.B (2014). A Thesaurus of English Word. United Kingdom: Rowman & Littlefield. https://www.drnishikantjha.com/papersCollection/A-Thesaurus-of-English-W-265.pdf
Understanding root words guide for KS3 English students - BBC Bitesize. (2023, October 18). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zbmv2sg/articles/zkpgr2p#Introduction%20to%20Understanding%20Root%20Words
Shrives, C. (n.d.). Word Root: Explanation and examples. https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/root_of_a_word.htm